Q: Who are you targeting with the E-1001S?
A: We see the FlipStart being used by mobile professionals, mobile executives, and other mobile workers who require of full-power applications in an extremely portable form-factor.
Q: Will it be possible to upgrade the FlipStart, either at time of purchase or otherwise? Will it be easy to open it up and put in a new HD or more RAM?
A: The current design is not upgradeable and we do not recommend that people open the device as this would void their warranty.
Q: What is the maximum RAM that the motherboard can handle?
A: The motherboard supports only the integrated 512MB of RAM (no expansion capability).
Q: Any plans for a faster CPU?
A: Sorry, I can't talk about any future plans at this time.
Q: What are your comments for people who really wanted the FS to have a touch-screen?
A: Our customer research showed that most users preferred our clam-shell form-factor and did not want a touch-screen. FlipStart has a protected high resolution screen in the clamshell design. The current design includes two pointing devices. We do not have a touch screen as our research has indicated that that Tablet PC pointing and handwriting recognition are not as effective on very small screens.
Q: Will you be taking international orders? If not, do you have plans to do so in the future? When?
A: I can't comment on future plans but we will consider when, where, and how to introduce our product to these markets.
Q: Why did you go with the Intel M CPU used and not a Core Solo, etc?
A: We selected the components we used based on price-performance, availability, etc. It is always tempting to change something in mid-stream, but at some point you have to pick a target and stick with it.
Q: How will you address the concerns that the device is too bulky?
A: It's quite common for people to think that until they hold it. Once they do, they say that it feels comfortable and well-balanced in their hands.
Q: What information can you give about reasons for delaying the release this long?
A: We took the time to make the first FlipStart product one that works well for a set of users today and provides a good foundation for the products we envision tomorrow. FlipStart is now Intel-based, it includes a number of technology innovations for a super small form factor, and we've had the opportunity to conduct extensive research that gave us keen insight into the market needs and usability of the product.
Q: Will the FlipStart be Linux friendly?
A: We've successfully installed and run various flavors of Linux on Flipstart internally. Any experienced Linux users should be able to install and run Linux or BSD on our system with minor tweaks. They may not use 100% of our hardware capabilities (i.e. InfoPane, WAN, touchstick, etc.), but, the rest of the system is still very useable.
Q: Do you have any plans to open up the LID to plug-in developers or integrate with other software?
A: It's certainly something we're considering.
Q: How do you see the FlipStart fitting into the Handtop market with OQO and the Vaio UX?
A: I think the market will determine how well we fit in. FlipStart is the only product that has a compact, clamshell design - something that customers tell us is advantageous. The FlipStart design works equally well in the hands or on a flat surface. So we're different than other products.
Thoughts
Did Keith bring up any questions/concerns? Tell us what you think below.